[Dimensio]

My dictionary defines "atheist" as one who DENIES the existence of God.

Your dictionary is inadequate. A = without, theism = belief in a god or gods --> atheism = without belief in a god or gods. Otherwise, what would you call "lack of belief in a god or gods"?

Consider that the definition itself is loaded by using the term "God", which implies a single monothesitic deity rather than a generic deity descriptor like "gods".

[NutCrackerBoy]

Your dictionary is inadequate. A = without, theism = belief in a god or gods --> atheism = without belief in a god or gods. Otherwise, what would you call "lack of belief in a god or gods"?

skepticism

I think your definition is not far wrong, but why not agree there is a connotation in atheism as an adherent of some sort. We have the words rational and rationalist. The latter is much more gung ho than neutral about rationality whereas just about everybody does have rational faculties. (You are excluded, tpaine).

[OWK]

For what it is worth... both Webster and New American dictionaries, support your definition... not the one posted earlier.